Asil Nadir sentenced to 10 years
The Old Bailey trial of former Polly Peck tycoon Asil Nadir has finally ended today, as he received a 10 year sentence for stealing £46million pounds from the Polly Peck Empire 20 years ago.
Nadir, 71, stole from Polly Peck International (PPI), a major UK company until 1990 when it collapsed following a long and complicated Serious Fraud Office investigation. He dramatically fled the UK in 1993 while awaiting trial to his birth country Cyprus, but returned in 2010 to finally stand trial. Nadir was acquitted of three of the 13 sample charges.
Nadir is expected to return to Belmarsh prison in south east London, where he has been remanded in custody since Monday, but is set to serve his sentence elsewhere.
The presiding judge, Mr justice Holroyde said, "Nadir had 'outstanding business skills' and brought employment and financial benefit to many people around the world. But the company's money was not your money. You knew that and you nonetheless helped yourself to it and committed theft on a grand scale."
He added that Nadir would be eligible for release after serving half his sentence.
Written and presented by Ann Salter